Bryukhanov.
[End of October 1921]¹

I am informed that in Orel and Tula gubernias the collection of the food tax is proceeding remarkably easily and rapidly. Preobrazhenskii, who was in Orel gubernia, assures me that the entire food tax will be collected within three weeks. I request that you inform me in a few words what information you have and how frequently you receive telegrams concerning the collection of the food tax. Model gubernias or districts will have to be specially rewarded. What measures are being taken to concentrate salt reserves, and also to ensure that salt is not sold except for grain, neither in the RSFSR nor in Ukraine. Should it not also be limited to restrict the distribution of salt in cities, in order to hinder anarchic barter for salt? [711]

Lenin.

¹ The date has been established on the basis of the following telegram.

---

# TELEGRAM TO THE TULA GUBERNIA FOOD COMMITTEE

To the Tula Gubernia Food Committee.
[31 October 1921]

Tula gubernia, having brilliantly concluded the food tax campaign, has thereby occupied one of the first places of honor on the food front, which is vital for the Republic. I hereby declare, on behalf of the Council of People's Commissars, the Republic's recognition and gratitude to all food workers of Tula gubernia. At the same time, I propose that the Commissariat of Food issue to all food workers a bonus equal to one month's wages. To those who have particularly distinguished themselves, it is authorized to grant, by the gubernia food committee chairman with the approval of the gubernia executive committee, an additional reward.

Chairman of the Council of People's Commissars¹

¹ This telegram apparently was not sent, owing to an objection by Avanesov, written on the same document: "I have no objection in principle, but in view of mass complaints from peasants regarding the actions of the gubernia food committee, I consider it advisable to wait before expressing gratitude. V. Avanesov."

* Printed from a typewritten copy. —Ed.